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Breast Cancer Books

There are a number of excellent books written about breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Many of these books can be found at the local library. Your division of the Cancer Society has a comprehensive reference library too and can provide lists of recommended reading. Some private breast clinics also have books their patients can borrow.

Many of the books available are from the USA, UK and Australia so you may want to take note of books by New Zealand women who have written about their experiences. Reading their stories may resonate better with your own journey and we have listed these first in a special section.

Every woman will find her own unique path to recovery. BCAC does not endorse the content of any of these books or websites but offers these lists as a menu from which to make your own choices.

New Zealand Breast Cancer Stories

One of the first collections of stories by NZ women experiencing breast cancer, Beating our Breasts is a book full of wisdom, courage, humour, information and honesty. Inspirational stories from women who have ‘been there’. This book is available free of charge from the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. For a copy go to www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/resources

Jane Bissell writes a daily journal about her first year with breast cancer. An honest, open, humorous and informative account, this book offers hope, courage, guidance, information and strength to women experiencing breast cancer (available from www.janebissell.co.nz).

The Pink Party – Jane Bissell (Klarer Lasserre, Auckland 2007)

The writer of ‘Welcome to the Amazon Club’ tells of the joys, fears, achievements and celebrations in her own life after breast cancer and in the lives of two other women. Colleen is living with secondary breast cancer and Manon has faced inflammatory breast cancer. Honest, inspirational, joyous (available from www.janebissell.co.nz).

A book written by New Zealand breast surgeon, Trevor Smith, which covers all aspects of breast care, including a detailed section on breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. You can order this book here.

This American book provides a comprehensive look at mastectomy and the many different reconstruction options available. It's a valuable resource for anyone considering reconstruction surgery to help work through the many choices to be made.

Personal Stories

Bald in the Land of Big Hair- Joni Rodgers (Headline Book Publishing, New York, 2001)

At thirty-two, Joni Rodgers was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Joni tells her deeply moving story of ‘industrial-strength drugs, healing herbs, love, sex, prayer, kids, career, and the search for a wig that won't make her look like Betty Rubble.’

It’s Not About the Bike– Lance Armstrong (Allen and Unwin, Australia, 2002)

World renowned cyclist and athlete Lance Armstrong writes of his experience with cancer, survival, recovery and victory in the Tour de France. An inspirational story of life being lived to the full after cancer.

Chemo And Back Again - Andrea Fairbairn (thejoyagency.org). Information and inspiration for the chemo journey. This book follows Andrea through treatment, convalescence, recovery and moving on from cancer. For your free copy, go to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s website: www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/resources

A bit of humour

“In vivid color and with a taboo-breaking sense of humor, Marisa tells the story of her eleven-month, ultimately triumphant bout with breast cancer — from diagnosis to cure, and every challenging step in between.”

Complementary Therapies, General Well-Being

Complementary Therapies for Cancer - What works, what doesn't and how to tell the difference - Professor Shaun Holt (Craig Potton Publishing, Nelson, 2010). An evidence-based review of a range of complementary therapies with objective information about what works, what doesn't and what's dangerous to try. Recommended.

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About us

The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) provides a united voice for NZ women who are experiencing breast cancer. We support, inform and represent those with breast cancer so they can make informed choices about their treatment and care. Formed in 2004, BCAC is a registered charity run by breast cancer survivors. If you would like to join us to help improve breast cancer treatment and care in Aotearoa, New Zealand please email us to find out more.